North Carolina HVAC License Renewal: Deadlines, Fees and CE

North Carolina has 4 HVAC license classes. Most renew every year. The renewal fee is about $150. Fees change, so check the official site for the exact amount. The details for each class are below.

Full rule details

Verified dataLast checked Oct 17, 2026, next review due July 2027

Informational: verify with the issuing board.

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Heating Group No. 1 Contractor - Class I (hydronic/steam comfort heating, boilers)

H1-I · State license · North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 919-875-3612

Renewal cycle: Every year
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: None. Board states there is NO grace period; licensed activity must stop on expiration until renewed.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $150
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Board adds about $25 to the license fee if not renewed and paid during January (G.S. 87-22). If forms and fees are not received by January 31, Board may require all unpaid annual fees before reissuing.
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Expired license may be reinstated within 3 years of expiration on written request with current fee, fees for unpaid prior years and the G.S. 87-22 processing fee (21 NCAC 50 .0409). After 3 years the license cannot be renewed and the exams must be retaken.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond: Not required
Insurance: Not required
Reciprocity: Reciprocity only under agreements the Board has made with other states (21 NCAC 50 .0310). Under the Neighbor State License Recognition Act, North Carolina residents licensed for at least 1 year in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia can apply for an equivalent license (background check, verification from each licensing agency, and a free 4-hour Board laws and rules class).

Notes

Heating Group 1: steam/vapor/hot water comfort heating systems; license required to install or replace a boiler in a Group 1 system (21 NCAC 50 .0507). Class II (H1-II) is limited to single-family detached dwellings, same fee and renewal terms. Online renewal via public.nclicensing.org (credit card convenience fee; avoid debit); online renewers print own certificate. Mail option: check/money order to 'State Board of Examiners'. Fee per 21 NCAC 50 .1102(a); second or subsequent individual listed on a corporate/trade-name license pays $75 (.1102(d)). The fee is set by rule (last amended 2020); the renewal invoice shows the amount due.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (9)

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Heating Group No. 2 Contractor (integral heating/cooling systems over 15 tons)

H2-I · State license · North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 919-875-3612

Renewal cycle: Every year
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: None. Board states there is NO grace period; licensed activity must stop on expiration until renewed.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $150
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Board adds about $25 to the license fee if not renewed and paid during January (G.S. 87-22). If forms and fees are not received by January 31, Board may require all unpaid annual fees before reissuing.
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Expired license may be reinstated within 3 years of expiration on written request with current fee, fees for unpaid prior years and the G.S. 87-22 processing fee (21 NCAC 50 .0409). After 3 years the license cannot be renewed and the exams must be retaken.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond: Not required
Insurance: Not required
Reciprocity: Reciprocity only under agreements the Board has made with other states (21 NCAC 50 .0310). Under the Neighbor State License Recognition Act, North Carolina residents licensed for at least 1 year in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia can apply for an equivalent license (background check, verification from each licensing agency, and a free 4-hour Board laws and rules class).

Notes

Heating Group 2: integral system for heating or cooling a building that circulates air and has refrigeration capacity above 15 tons (21 NCAC 50 .0501(a); G.S. 87-21(a)(3)). Single-family residences fall under Group 3 regardless of size. Online renewal via public.nclicensing.org (credit card convenience fee; avoid debit); online renewers print own certificate. Mail option: check/money order to 'State Board of Examiners'. Fee per 21 NCAC 50 .1102(a); second or subsequent individual listed on a corporate/trade-name license pays $75 (.1102(d)). The fee is set by rule (last amended 2020); the renewal invoice shows the amount due.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (9)

Heating Group No. 3 Contractor - Class I (forced-air heating/cooling, 15 tons or less, any building)

H3-I · State license · North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 919-875-3612

Renewal cycle: Every year
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: None. Board states there is NO grace period; licensed activity must stop on expiration until renewed.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $150
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Board adds about $25 to the license fee if not renewed and paid during January (G.S. 87-22). If forms and fees are not received by January 31, Board may require all unpaid annual fees before reissuing.
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Expired license may be reinstated within 3 years of expiration on written request with current fee, fees for unpaid prior years and the G.S. 87-22 processing fee (21 NCAC 50 .0409). After 3 years the license cannot be renewed and the exams must be retaken.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond: Not required
Insurance: Not required
Reciprocity: Reciprocity only under agreements the Board has made with other states (21 NCAC 50 .0310). Under the Neighbor State License Recognition Act, North Carolina residents licensed for at least 1 year in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia can apply for an equivalent license (background check, verification from each licensing agency, and a free 4-hour Board laws and rules class).

Notes

Heating Group 3 covers direct heating/cooling systems with ductwork and 15 tons or less of mechanical refrigeration (21 NCAC 50 .0501.0508). Class I applies to all structures; Class II (H3-II) is limited to single-family detached dwellings. Same renewal terms and fee for Class II. Online renewal via public.nclicensing.org (credit card convenience fee; avoid debit); online renewers print own certificate. Mail option: check/money order to 'State Board of Examiners'. Fee per 21 NCAC 50 .1102(a); second or subsequent individual listed on a corporate/trade-name license pays $75 (.1102(d)). The fee is set by rule (last amended 2020); the renewal invoice shows the amount due.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (9)

Heating Group No. 3 Contractor - Class II (single-family detached dwellings)

H3-II · State license · North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors

Remind me before this expires

Renew on the official site 919-875-3612

Renewal cycle: Every year
Continuing education: Not required
Deadline rule: All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase.

Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance

Grace period: None. Board states there is NO grace period; licensed activity must stop on expiration until renewed.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee: About $150
Late fee: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Board adds about $25 to the license fee if not renewed and paid during January (G.S. 87-22). If forms and fees are not received by January 31, Board may require all unpaid annual fees before reissuing.
Reinstatement: Show the details (amounts are approximate)
Expired license may be reinstated within 3 years of expiration on written request with current fee, fees for unpaid prior years and the G.S. 87-22 processing fee (21 NCAC 50 .0409). After 3 years the license cannot be renewed and the exams must be retaken.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond: Not required
Insurance: Not required
Reciprocity: Reciprocity only under agreements the Board has made with other states (21 NCAC 50 .0310). Under the Neighbor State License Recognition Act, North Carolina residents licensed for at least 1 year in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia can apply for an equivalent license (background check, verification from each licensing agency, and a free 4-hour Board laws and rules class).

Notes

Class II is limited to forced-air heating and cooling systems of 15 tons or less in single-family detached dwellings (Board License Definitions, June 2026). Online renewal via public.nclicensing.org (credit card convenience fee; avoid debit); online renewers print own certificate. Mail option: check/money order to 'State Board of Examiners'. Fee per 21 NCAC 50 .1102(a); second or subsequent individual listed on a corporate/trade-name license pays $75 (.1102(d)). The fee is set by rule (last amended 2020); the renewal invoice shows the amount due.

HighLast checked Oct 17, 2026

Sources (9)

How to renew

1Check your Heating Group No. 1 Contractor - Class I (hydronic/steam comfort heating, boilers) deadline: All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase.
2Renew online at https://public.nclicensing.org/Home/Login
3Pay the renewal fee on the official site. Expect about $150, but fees change.
4If you miss the deadline: Board adds about $25 to the license fee if not renewed and paid during January (G.S. 87-22). If forms and fees are not received by January 31, Board may require all unpaid annual fees before reissuing.
5Check your Heating Group No. 2 Contractor (integral heating/cooling systems over 15 tons) deadline: All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase.
6Check your Heating Group No. 3 Contractor - Class I (forced-air heating/cooling, 15 tons or less, any building) deadline: All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase.
7Check your Heating Group No. 3 Contractor - Class II (single-family detached dwellings) deadline: All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase.

North Carolina HVAC renewal questions

Answers come from the records above. Informational: verify with the issuing board.

When does a North Carolina HVAC license expire?

Heating Group No. 1 Contractor - Class I (hydronic/steam comfort heating, boilers): renews every year. All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase. Heating Group No. 2 Contractor (integral heating/cooling systems over 15 tons): renews every year. All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase. Heating Group No. 3 Contractor - Class I (forced-air heating/cooling, 15 tons or less, any building): renews every year. All licenses expire December 31 each year (G.S. 87-22). Renewal period opens ~Oct 1 (90 days before expiration); invoices mailed early October. Renew by Dec 31 to avoid the $25 late increase. Check with North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors before you rely on it.

How many CE hours does a North Carolina HVAC license need?

Heating Group No. 1 Contractor - Class I (hydronic/steam comfort heating, boilers): no CE required. Heating Group No. 2 Contractor (integral heating/cooling systems over 15 tons): no CE required. Heating Group No. 3 Contractor - Class I (forced-air heating/cooling, 15 tons or less, any building): no CE required. Check with North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors before you rely on it.

Is there a grace period for a North Carolina HVAC license?

None. Board states there is NO grace period; licensed activity must stop on expiration until renewed. Check with North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors before you rely on it.

How much does it cost to renew a North Carolina HVAC license?

Heating Group No. 1 Contractor - Class I (hydronic/steam comfort heating, boilers): About $150. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

What happens if a North Carolina HVAC license expires?

Board adds about $25 to the license fee if not renewed and paid during January (G.S. 87-22). If forms and fees are not received by January 31, Board may require all unpaid annual fees before reissuing. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Does North Carolina accept HVAC licenses from other states?

Reciprocity only under agreements the Board has made with other states (21 NCAC 50 .0310). Under the Neighbor State License Recognition Act, North Carolina residents licensed for at least 1 year in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia can apply for an equivalent license (background check, verification from each licensing agency, and a free 4-hour Board laws and rules class). Check with North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors before you rely on it.

Sources

Spot something out of date?

Informational only. Check it with the issuing board. Licensing rules, deadlines and CE requirements change, fee amounts are approximate, and this page can be out of date. It is not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with any state board. Read the disclaimer.

This information is here to help you plan, not to replace the board. Fee amounts are approximate and may be out of date. Deadlines and continuing education rules change too, sometimes without much notice. Always confirm with your licensing board and its official site before you rely on a date or an amount. This is not legal advice.

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